LIVERPOOL'S pursuit of Harry Kewell was today given a boost after Leeds United told the winger: "re-sign for us or go".

LIVERPOOL'S pursuit of Harry Kewell was today given a boost after Leeds United told the winger: "re-sign for us or go".

The cash-strapped Yorkshire club stressed they do not want another "Lee Bowyer situation" as they issued the Reds' target with a clear ultimatum.

They would rather sell the gifted Australian now than lose him on a free when his contract runs out in 12 months.

Kewell has attracted the interest of a string of top clubs with Arsenal and Manchester United also linked to his signature.

Liverpool's prime target for the left side of midfield has been Damien Duff but Gerard Houllier, a known admirer of Kewell, is likely to home in for Kewell if a deal to land the Blackburn ace does not come off.

Australian Kewell - a boyhood Liverpool fan - has been offered a new contract by Leeds, but he has yet to indicate his intentions.

Leeds lost out badly when Lee Bowyer's proposed #9m move to Anfield collapsed last season, allowing the midfielder to sit out the remainder of his contract and join West Ham for a nominal fee.

Leeds boss Peter Reid is keen to keep Kewell, but chairman Professor John McKenzie today admitted the club's debts may force a sale sooner rather than later.

McKenzie said: "With Harry we can't afford another Lee Bowyer situation. If he doesn't sign a new contract, we'll get nothing in a year's time.

"In an ideal world Kewell would not go. But he appears to be unsettled. We absolutely don't the Bowyer scenario again. I need some clarity from Kewell and his agent on that."

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Steve Gerrard has hinted he is ready to sign a new contract to stay at Anfield. The England star has two years remaining on his current deal, but the Reds want to secure his services long-term.

Gerrard said: "I have two years left and everyone knows when you reach that stage it's really make or break time.

"I'm 23 and I'm sure I'll sign a new contract fairly soon to stay. I don't know when discussions will start. I think the club want me and I want them, so I'm sure things will get sorted."

Another Reds target Jean-Alain Boumsong is still to make up his mind wh eth er to l eave Auxerre.

The defender, also being tracked by Marseille, said: "I have had contact with Marseille and Liverpool, but perhaps I won't be going there.

"I will start pre-season training with Auxerre if necessary. I'm not staying by my phone, but things can change."